Committee

Co-Chair: Hello, I’m Joanne Fitzpatrick, I work on the Open Book Futures project at Lancaster University library and I’m diagnosed autistic. In 2023 I was named as one of the CILIP 125 list of emerging leaders in the library and information sector, and I founded NLISN alongside Andy. I continue to be delighted that so many skilled and competent individuals are here and willing to support each other to make working life better for ourselves. At the very least I hope you can network with other like-minds and that this helps you carry on being talented library and information staff.

Co-Chair: Hi everyone, I’m Andrew Walsh and I’m a Development Manager at Academic Libraries North, National Teaching Fellow, independent trainer and speaker. I’ve only relatively recently started to divulge my neurodivergence and I’m pleased to have helped Jo make this project happen and to put it on a firmer footing as NLISN. Until recently I worked at a Higher Education institution in the North of England.

Secretary: Hi, I’m Amelia Haire and I’m currently Library Assistant at Senate House. I completed my master’s in Library and Information Studies, with a special interest in neurodivergent information literacy. I have recently been diagnosed as Autistic and ADHD and have found being involved with other neurodivergent individuals an incredibly inspiring experience already as I navigate my own neurodivergence and support others.

Treasurer: Hello all! I’m Laura Green and I’m a Library and Student IT Adviser in Lending Services at Leeds Beckett University Library. I’ve worked in libraries for 14 years and have a PGDip in Information and Library Studies. When I’m not at work I catalogue archive television for an organisation that finds lost AV, and spend time with my cat. My AuDHD affects every part of my life and I’m looking forward to liaising with other ND library people and seeing what we can do support all ND colleagues.

Online Team: Hello! I’m Kelly Whittard (she/her). I’m Reading List Librarian at the University of Bath. I have worked as a Librarian in Higher Education for the past 9 years, and before that worked in school libraries and a monastery library.

I will be working with the Online Team, looking after the website and newsletter. I am diagnosed Autistic and I’m really looking forward to working with and learning from other neurodivergent Library staff. I’m excited to be involved with this project and to help NLISN grow.

Online Team: Hello, I’m Stacy (she/her) and I’m a systems & access librarian for a Government Library. I work between my office and home in Greater Manchester. I’ve worked in libraries for the last 14 years and have previously worked in Special Collections, School Libraries & Academic Libraries. I’m interested in promoting diversity and engaging library users through collections and of course meta-data.

I run the socials for NLISN and I also sit on the CILIP LGBTQ committee.

Online Team: Hello, I’m Marc Cohen and I am Head of Library Resources and Collections at Queen Mary University of London. I am autistic as are two of my children. I am excited by the creation of a group to support people who are neurodivergent in the library sector and help them use their unique talents.

Online Team: Hi there, I’m Victoria Williams. I’m currently a librarian at an independent school in the South West, but have also worked in HE and public libraries over the course of my career. Like many autistic women, my neurodivergence wasn’t picked up early in life, so I’ve been on a bit of a journey of discovery over the last few years. I’m really passionate about making the workplace and education more understanding and accepting environments for neurodivergent people, so I’m really happy to be a part of this committee.

Events: Hello everyone, I’m Susan O’Sullivan – a Learning, Teaching and Research Librarian at Birmingham City University.
I prefer visual representations; can usefully employ my potentially different perspective and I am able to apply my problem-solving skills. When not working, my interests include silversmithing (plus other artisan crafts) and volunteering at an award-winning local community cinema and arts centre which aims to address issues for example, relating to social isolation – by providing an opportunity for people to connect.

Events: I’m Maria King and I currently work as an Educational Developer at the University of Leeds. I have previously worked in Academic/Subject Librarian roles at three other UK universities. I have previously led on inclusion work within the library around accessibility, particularly on improving teaching practices for accessibility, and overall library support for neurodivergent students, bringing my lived experience as a neurodivergent person to my work in this area. I have also delivered workshops and keynotes on these topics for both library, wider professional services, and academic staff both internally and externally including at the LILAC and International Network of Inclusive Practices (INIP) conferences.

Buddying: Greetings, all – I’m Caroline Ball. I’ve worked in the past as a lecturer in publishing and a copyright and licensing advisor, and I’m currently academic librarian at the University of Derby. I’m one of the co-founders of the #ebookSOS campaign and I’ve also been a trustee of WikimediaUK for the past three years. I was diagnosed with ADHD-C several years ago, which came as more of a relief than a surprise! I really hope that I and the NLISN community can help to support, guide and encourage neurodiverse colleagues across the library sector, and I look forward to meeting you all!